Prince Lobel Partner Jeffrey J. Pyle recently secured much-needed public housing for a domestic violence victim who had tried unsuccessfully to find a safe location for her family.
As part of Prince Lobel’s ongoing commitment to the community, the firm has been working with LIFT Somerville, an organization that provides local residents with a wide range of social and legal services. In this case, Jeff worked to intervene and advocate on behalf of a client who needed a safe home for herself, her newborn, and her toddler. Initially, she was placed in a bug and rat-infested motel room with no kitchen, even though regulations dictate that victims of domestic violence receive priority status for emergency state-aided public housing. The client, however,
was denied priority.
Jeff stepped in, met with the client, and obtained the documents necessary for her appeal. He then partnered with Breylis Rodriguez, a Prince Lobel file clerk, to translate the various drafts of the affidavit so the client could read and
approve them.
Jeff and his client appeared before the Somerville Housing Authority’s hearing officer to make their case. The officer ultimately overturned the previous decision, and now the client and her children are on priority status for public housing. Prince Lobel became involved with LIFT Somerville through its affiliation with Tufts University’s Tisch College of Active Citizenship and Public Service, the Tufts Lawyers Association, and the Tufts Citizen Lawyer initiative. The mission of LIFT Somerville dovetails well with the firm’s goal of providing pro bono legal services to the needy and underserved members of our community.
About LIFT
LIFT Somerville provides local residents with services including securing safe and stable housing, making ends meet through public benefits and tax credits, and obtaining quality referrals for services like child care and health care. Its mission is to combat poverty and expand opportunity for all people in the United States. For more information, visit liftcommunities.org.
Jeffrey J. Pyle is a partner in Prince Lobel’s Litigation Practice Group. If you have a question about any litigation matter, please contact Jeff directly at 617 456 8143 or jpyle@princelobel.com.